US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-backed peace plan that would lead to the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to a negotiated line inside the territory. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the agreement a "Historic and Unprecedented Event," praising the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye. "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan." Trump wrote. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." Trump added, "All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America," The agreement marks the most significant diplomatic progress since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, which left thousands dead and deepened divisions across the region. Egypt, which hosted the final rounds of negotiations in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, played a pivotal role in securing the deal. Despite recent Israeli threats that Hamas leaders would be targeted "wherever they are," members of the Hamas delegation were seen walking openly and peacefully in the coastal city—located just a few hundred miles from Tel Aviv—highlighting Cairo's influence as both mediator and protector in the sensitive talks. If fully implemented, the deal would mark the first comprehensive de-escalation plan since full-scale fighting resumed more than two years ago. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
